Former Charger opens new office

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Hillsdale.net - Hillsdale, MI

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Posted Nov. 22, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Posted Nov. 22, 2013 at 9:17 AM

Hillsdale, Mich.

By Phillip Morgan

pmorgan@hillsdale.net

Last night, among a crowd of local business people, former Hillsdale College football star Matthew Patillo inaugurated the opening of his new Edward Jones office with a ribbon-cutting ceremony sponsored by the chamber of commerce.

The building is comfortable, spacious, and new. The foundation of his business, however, is something Patillo has been working at for a long time.

Eight years ago Patillo was like most high school seniors.

"I just wanted to play football," Patillo said.

He caught the attention of Hillsdale coaches, who brought Patillo up from South Bend, Indiana for a visit.

"I had never heard of Hillsdale," Patillo said. "I did not know what opportunity knocked on my door."

In four years time, Patillo earned a reputation as an outrageously strong workhorse and one of the best tight ends in school history.

He made the All-GLIAC team three times and was a preseason All-American.

"He was a really good tight end," Hillsdale College head football coach Keith Otterbein said. "He kept getting better and better. He was key on some of the most productive offenses we have ever had."

Moreover, Patillo applied his work ethic to all aspects of his life, not just football.

"I realized that we were different then everyone else we played," Patillo said. "We were held academically and morally to a higher standard than our opponents."

Coach Otterbein told Patillo and his teammates that his main priority was to make them contributing members of their communities, their churches, and their families. Football was secondary.

Patillo took those lessons to heart, and when it came time to find a job after college he caught the attention of Edward Jones.

"I was looking to bring a partner into my business who could provide the level of service that clients have come to expect," Edward Jones financial advisor John Waldvogel said. "I needed a specific type of individual. I saw in him a desire to work with other people, a desire to serve others, and a level of dedication and commitment."

While volunteering with Delta Sigma Phi, Patillo found he enjoyed working in the Hillsdale community. Edward Jones would be a natural fit.

"Ultimately, I help people with finances," Patillo said. "But it is such a relationship business. That's why I got into it."

Patillo said he learned the importance of connecting with clients from his father, and today he will go as far a baking a pie for someone if it means getting to know them a little better.

"You’re being a nice person," Patillo said. "Even if it doesn’t translate to business that’s okay."

Page 2 of 2 - Waldvogel said he saw more in Matt than simply a nice guy.

"He's more than that," Waldvogel said. "He is serious, focused, trustworthy, and honest. I liked him right away. I feel fortunate we crossed paths."

Not only does Patillo have a new business, but he has a new baby girl, whom he and his fiancé, Kelly, named Charlotte.

As he continues putting down roots, he said he is happy to call Hillsdale home.

"Who would not want to raise a family in Hillsdale?" Patillo said.

Others feel the same way.

"It’s nice when they are close," Otterbein said. "We are really excited he is part of the Hillsdale community. He will have a great impact."